PEOPLE living near where a man was stabbed this morning said they were shocked by the incident.

Residents along or near Station Road, on Hayling Island, said it was normally a quiet area with few problems.

Police today launched an investigation after a 47-year-old man was found with a stab wound.

Police were called to Station Road in the early hours of this morning.

Officers investigating the incident, which happened shortly after midnight, have arrested a 48-year-old man, from the island, on suspicion of attempted murder. He remains in custody.

The victim, from Havant, is in a critical but stable condition at Southampton General Hospital.

Mollie Edwards, who lives near where the stabbing took place. She said: ‘It was a total shock when I heard what had happened.

‘I know there is a pub nearby but there is never any trouble. Hayling Island is normally so quiet.’

Another resident, who asked not to be named, added: ‘I saw police around but would have never thought someone had been stabbed. It is so horrible knowing this happened so close to home.’

Detective Inspector Dave West said officers quickly attended the scene and have spoken to a number of witnesses.

‘This happened outside the West Town Inn and we know from our enquiries so far that it was very busy on Saturday night, so if you were there but have not yet spoken to us, please get in touch,’ he said.

‘We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in the pub between 11pm and 12.10am.

‘You may not think you have any information that could help our investigation, however what you may believe is an insignificant detail could really help our investigation.’

Chief Inspector Clare Jenkins added extra patrols will be carried out over the coming week. She said: ‘We understand that an incident like this can be concerning for the community.

‘But I would like to reassure residents that our officers will be carrying out extra patrols in the area over the next few days.

‘We do not believe at this stage there is a wider risk to the community but if you do have any concerns please do not hesitate to share those with us as we carry out patrols.’

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting 44170459841.